2026 Programme
Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month (unless otherwise specified) at Alves Village Hall – ideal for routine observing either during or after meetings, with only minimal light pollution.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Non-members are always welcome – please contact us.
| Friday 9th January 2026 |
Equipment Night/ Telescope Tutorial A chance for members to show, or find out about from other members, the different types of conventional telescopes. This also provides an opportunity for you to get help with any problems you’re having with your own kit. The evening will also feature a tutorial on how to set up a telescope and mount, as well as a display of different types of ‘Smart Scopes’ whose owners will be there to explain how they work as well as answer any questions you have. If the weather is kind to us, there will be the opportunity to see the various scopes in action, and to put into practice the methodology from the tutorial session. It will also be a good opportunity for members to socialise! |
| Friday 6th February 2026 Dr Ray Palmer SIGMA |
The Cosmic Beat: The Discovery, Origins and Significance of Pulsars This talk deals with the serendipitous nature of the discovery of pulsars, how they are formed as a consequence of the natural evolution of massive stars, as well as their significance in our understanding of astrophysics and astronomy in general. It will also touch on how their behaviour has been exploited in attempts to communicate with ET! |